Visa Interview Experience
Scroll down to the bottom for advice on how to deal with pre-interview nervousness.
Visa type: F1 Emergency VISA
Interview date: June 2
Scheduled time: 2:00 pm
Reached Embassy: 1:20 pm
Visa status: Approved
CEAC status: Approved
Incoming University: Yale University
Intended Term: Fall 2021
Intended Program: General Studies
VO Description: A tall, white gentleman with a possible crew cut. No spectacles or beard. Counter 4.
Preparation: I made a document where I kept links of recent interview experiences I found in both BBB and in the group made for Fall 21. After scanning the questions, I made a list of common questions I’m likely to encounter based on trends I noticed within the interviews and considering my personal circumstances. Once I had compiled these questions, I predicted a set of answers and cross-checked with Samin to correct/improve any answers. Finally, I got on a call with Samin to do a mock interview of sorts so that I phrase my answers properly.
Documentation check: The guards outside the embassy checked my appointment confirmation letter while the guard at the waiting lounge checked the DS-160 confirmation letter. In the interview room, an officer at counter 5 checked my passports and the SEVIS fee receipt to ensure I had paid the SEVIS fee. For context, Yale had paid my SEVIS fee less than 24 hours before the interview.
Extra Documents (They Didn't Check):
Bank statement (last 6 months)
Visa fee receipt/yellow slip from EBL
Father's tax return
SAT score report
O+A Level Certificates (Original)
Academic Transcript
4 copies of my picture, 2x2 size
Photocopy of my current passport and NID
Interview Questions:
VO: Pass me your I-20, please.
Me: *obliges*
VO: Press 4 fingers of your left hand, then your right, then your two thumbs together.
Me: *obliges once again*
VO: Is this your first time traveling to the US?
Me: *trying to look excited through my mask* Yep!
VO: Have you ever traveled to other countries outside of Bangladesh?
Me: Yep. I have.
VO: What was the purpose of your visit to these countries?
Me: (at this point I think I got caught off guard for a moment because I hadn’t anticipated this question. But it took me a second to get back on track.) Um, mostly for vacationing. I went to India once for a vacation and I went to attend Thailand to attend a debate tournament. Oh, I also went to India for a debate tournament as well.
VO: What do your *couldn’t hear the full question*
Me: Sorry, could you repeat?
VO: What do your parents do?
Me: My dad is an X in the US. He mostly works with Y and Z. My mother is a homemaker, so she’s a stay-at-home parent, basically.
VO: You mentioned that your dad lives in the US?
Me: *half-smiling as I had anticipated this* Yes.
VO: Which state does he live in?
Me: *mentions state*
VO: Sorry, where?
Me: *repeats*
VO: Is he an immigrant?
Me: He has a green card, yes.
VO: So he’s a green card immigrant.
Me: Yes, he is.
VO: Has he ever applied for your immigration or citizenship in the US?
Me: Nope, he hasn’t.
VO: *suddenly changes the subject* So what are your plans after graduation?
Me: *realizing where this conversation is heading* So after I’m done with my education, I want to come back to the country. I want to work for a few years in the tech industry in Bangladesh, and then hopefully launch my startup. My startup idea is *describes idea briefly*. I have other ideas too but this is just one of a few. Let’s see how it goes.
VO: Great. Do you have any interest in him applying for your citizenship later on?
Me: *hides surprised face at the directness of the question* Nope, not really. I want to come back to the country to take care of my mother. I have no plans of staying abroad.
VO: Alright. Everything’s been approved. You’ll get your passport in two weeks. Carry your I-20 with you while you’re traveling to the US.
Me: *flashes wide grin beneath the mask* Thank you very much! *giddily starts strutting back*
Before Interview: How To Deal With Nervousness
Drink water: This will seem really simple but something everyone forgets. When you’re inside, you’ll see that somewhere along the row of seats there’s a water dispenser. Quickly grab a cup and drink water. It’ll help you calm your nerves significantly.
Familiarize yourself with your environment: The way I distracted myself while I was inside was to scan everything I saw. The walls, the lawn, the lawnmower mowing the lawn, and the sounds it made. The pipes running over my head and the infinite stacks of red bricks. Read interviews and the exact experience people went through even before they were asked questions - it’ll help you know what to expect.
Wear something you’re comfortable in: I wore a nice pair of jeans and a dress that makes me feel really good about myself. If it’s scorching hot, consider wearing something loose and casual. Take napkins or tissue paper to wipe away sweat. It doesn’t feel like much, but trust me, little things like these give you a major confidence boost.
Recollect memories: Another very simple trick I did was to recall a lot of fond memories I have of the people I love. Anecdotes of my life that always make me smile. It sounds silly but that honestly kept me going.
Say a prayer: I am not a religious person but if praying helps to calm you down, then go ahead. Whisper away verses from your scripture that soothe you.
Best of luck to all future interview candidates reading this! Hope this helps!
#usvisa #visainterview2021 #successinterviews #visainterview #visa_interview_experience_usa #Visa_Interview_Experience
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment